Surprise batting hero Nathan Hauritz was cruelly denied a deserved first Pura Cup century after leading Queensland to first innings points against Western Australia.

Hauritz (94) led the Bulls' rearguard action from 7-275 to be all out for 434, a first innings lead of seven runs, with the match needing a tempting declaration.

No.9 Hauritz was controversially adjudged lbw by umpire Andrew Craig off a Ben Edmondson (3-89) delivery which looked to be missing leg stump at the WACA Ground.

WA was 2-148 in its second innings at stumps on day three, a lead of 141 runs, with in-form captain Justin Langer not out 88 and Murray Goodwin unbeaten on five.

Off-spinner Hauritz topped off his fine day by claiming Chris Rogers' (32) scalp after being smashed for 18 off one over by Langer just before the close.

Opener Michael Hussey (15) was earlier well caught by Chris Simpson at point off James Hopes' (1-23) bowling.

After resuming at 7-280, Hauritz and Ashley Noffke (55) put on a record eighth wicket stand of 134 to lead Queensland's fightback.

However, WA spinner Beau Casson (5-109) sent a scare through the Bulls camp with the wickets of Noffke and Michael Kasprowicz (two).

It left Queensland nine wickets down with 13 runs still needed for first innings points.

But Hauritz and Joe Dawes (three not out) pushed the visitors beyond WA's first innings with a fine cover drive for four by Hauritz off medium-pacer Kade Harvey.

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